The goal at Talley Vineyards is to produce estate grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of uncompromising quality that best reflect the unique characteristics of each of our three vineyards. Complete control over all phases of wine production is the guiding principle: from the propagation of scion wood in the on site nursery, to grape growing and winemaking that emphasize low yields and minimal processing, to the gentle bottling of the finished wine. Talley Vineyards seeks to create wines that consistently reflect the unique character of the vineyard, the terroir, rather than the changing trends in winemaking fashion. For this reason, the wines are made in the traditional Burgundian manner. Talley Vineyards is committed to the primacy of terroir in its wines, and every step taken from vine to bottle is reflective of this approach. It is this commitment that the Talley Family believes will result in a consistency of quality from vintage to vintage that is the hallmark of a great winegrowing estate.

"This is a fascinating operation as the Talley family produces world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in an area not generally known for high quality wines from, these two varietals. Brian Talley, the catalyst behind the viticulture and the wines, is fashioning some of California's most Burgundian styled offerings. The yields are kept low and the wines are bottled with virtually no clarification, so that the pure essence of the vineyard sites is captured." Robert Parker

www.talleyvineyards.com

Chardonnay Estate Arroyo Grande
The Estate Chardonnay blends grapes from the Talley Family?s two vineyards in the Arroyo Grande Valley: 88% Rincon Vineyard and 12% Rosemary?s Vineyard. The nineteen-year-old vines growing on the steep clay/limestone hillsides of the Rincon Vineyard contribute Chardonnay of richness and mineral complexity. The Rosemary?s Vineyard portion was sourced from three distinct vineyard blocks?the fifteen-year-old section in front of Don and Rosemary Talley?s home, as well as two new plantings in the canyons that flank the original planting.
2003??????? $23.99??????? available
Whole-cluster pressed and fermented entirely in medium-heavy toasted French oak barrels (40% new). Native yeasts were used to ferment a quarter of the blend, while a Burgundy isolate yeast rounded out the balance. 100% malolactic fermentation and aged sur lie for 11 months without racking. Aromas of lemon drop, grilled nuts and vanilla are highlighted by hints of mineral. The rich flavors overlay a creamy seamless texture with a lingering finish.
"Ultraripe and bordering on syrupy, with layers of fig, apricot, pear and honeydew melon. The rich, unctuous wine pushes ripeness to the max without going overboard. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes."(JL) - 91 pts. The Wine Spectator
2002??????? $22.99??????? SOLD OUT
"The 2002 Arroyo Grande is a selection from both the Rincon and Rosemary's vineyards in the southern section of San Luis Obispo County. Its light, delicate gold color reveals a hint of green. With coaxing, restrained aromas of white peaches, apricots, citrus and hazelnuts emerge. In the mouth, it is medium to full bodied, firm and steely, with beautifully integrated wood, lively acidity and a generous mouthfeel with everything in balance. This gorgeous still young white promises to age nicely for 5-65 years. It reminds me of a Premier Cru from Puligny Montrachet." 92 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #154

Chardonnay Rincon
The Rincon Vineyard is an 89 acre vineyard located adjacent to the Talley family?s winery, in the Arroyo Grande Valley, about eight miles east of the Pacific Ocean. The east-west orientation of the valley, coupled with the vineyard?s proximity to the ocean, provides the Rincon Vineyard with a cool and temperate climate. This wine was produced from vines planted 18 years ago at the top of the eastern hillside of the vineyard. The exposure is predominantly southwest and the soil is shallow clay/loam underlain with sandstone.
2002??????? sold out
"Displaying a more forward style than the Rosemary's cuvee, the Rincon possesses buttered citrus and tropical fruit notes, large body, alight gold/green color, stunning purity as well as an expansive texture, a lively mouthfeel and a long mineral do9minated finish. Like its sibling, it is unevolved, youthful Chardonnay that promises to last 5-6+ years." 94 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #154

Chardonnay Rosemary
Rosemary?s Vineyard is a 29 acre vineyard that nearly surrounds Don and Rosemary?s Talley?s home in the Arroyo Grande Valley, about seven miles east of the Pacific Ocean. Due to the proximity to the ocean this is the coolest of the Talley family?s four vineyard sites. This wine was produced from a two acre section of vines planted in 1987 directly in front of the Talley?s home. The exposure is predominantly northwest and the soil is a rocky sandstone and loam.
2002??????? sold out
"Exhibits a slightly deep golden hue along with a sumptuous nose of hazelnuts, peaches, apricots and lemon oil. Full bodied, with an underlying crushed stone-like minerality, restrained, yet authoritative flavors, marvelous richness, yet remarkable elegance as well as delineation (a hallmark of all these offerings), this brilliant Chardonnay should drink well for 4-7 years." 94 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #154


Chardonnay Oliver's
Oliver's Vineyard is a 16.5 acre vineyard planted entirely to Chardonnay located about 4 miles northwest of the Talley Vineyards winery in the neighboring Edna Valley. The vineyard was planted in 1991. The Edna Valley is similar to the Arroyo Grande Valley in many respects, but is distinctive for two reasons. The Edna Valley endures a colder winter than does the Arroyo Grande Valley, causing the growing season to start later. This delayed budbreak, coupled with strong spring winds, generally results in a later harvest. The other distinguishing feature of the Edna Valley is a heavier, more fertile soil type, producing slightly higher yields than the soils of the Arroyo Grande Valley.
2003??????? $21.99???????available
Whole-cluster pressed and fermented entirely in medium-heavy toasted French oak barrels (40% new). Native yeasts were used to ferment a quarter of the blend, while a Burgundy isolate yeast rounded out the balance. 100% malolactic fermentation and aged sur lie for 9 months without racking. The 2003 exhibits classic Oliver's Vineyard aromas of pineapple, tropical fruit and toasty notes with hints of mineral and wet stone. Starting with a bit of citrus and spice on the front of the palate, the wine becomes increasingly creamy and rich from the mid-palate through the lingering finish.
2002??????? $18.99???????Very limited
"Best Buys in the Market. An outgoing 90 point winner that marries ripe apples with complexing elements of minerals and lees." 90 Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine 8/04
"Possesses a light gold/green color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of hazelnuts, citrus oils and white flowers, surprising minerality, medium to full body, great length and purity and a style evocative of a Grand Cru white Burgundy. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years." 91 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #154

Pinot Noir Estate Arroyo Grande
The 2000 Estate Pinot Noir was produced entirely from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Talley Family?s two vineyards in the Arroyo Grande Valley. 60% of the blend came from Rosemary?s Vineyard, the vineyard located one mile west of the Talley Vineyards winery, surrounding Don and Rosemary Talley?s home. Rosemary?s Vineyard is noted for producing opulent Pinot Noir with velvety tannins. The seventeen year-old vines growing on the steep clay/limestone hillsides of the Rincon Vineyard contributed the balance of the blend and the flavor components of leather and spice.
2002?????? April Arrival ?
The grapes were hand-harvested and gently destemmed into small fermenters. Cold soaked five days and fermentation with native yeasts. Aged 18 months in 35% new Fran?ois Fr?res barrels. The best of the last two vintages. A wine of boisterous black fruit. Violets and black fruits in the aroma followed by cherry and raspberry flavors on the palate. The wine is rich, but balanced.
"If showing the same pure-cherry fruit as its pricier partners, this engaging effort from Talley is a touch less generous in character and lacks the sense of layering displayed by the former. Still, it is a lovely, fruit-driven wine of real balance and finesse, and it will drink beautifully in the next few years while its bigger brethren develop with age." Connoisseur's Guide - 90 Points, 1 Puff - October, 2004
2001?????? $26.99??????????????????? very limited
"The elegant, tasty, medium-bodied 2001 Pinot Noir Estate (a 1,700-case blend of equal parts Rosemary and Rincon vineyards fruit) reveals gorgeous aromas of sweet cherries, plums, figs, and raspberries. With nicely integrated acidity and tannin, sweet yet delicate fruit, and tremendous purity as well as length, it should be enjoyed over the next 4-5 years." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #149

Pinot Noir Rincon
The Rincon Vineyard is located adjacent to the Talley Vineyards winery, about eight miles east of the Pacific Ocean. The east-west orientation of the valley, coupled with the vineyard?s proximity to the ocean, blesses the Rincon Vineyard with a cool climate. The vines are seventeen years old and grow on predominately southern facing slopes. The soils, reminiscent of those found in Burgundy?s C?te d?Or, are alkaline in nature, and are comprised mainly of clay and limestone. The soil type, the vineyard?s steep hillsides and the long, cool growing season combine to produce wines that are complex and concentrated, yet elegant.
2002?????? sold out
After partial destemming, the fermenters were filled without pumping and the must underwent a pre-fermentation cold soak for four days. Spontaneous wild yeast fermentation began. Aged 17 months in 50% new Fran?ois Fr?res barrels. Deep aromas of blackberry and black cherry are accented by hints of black pepper spiciness. On the palate, black cherry fruit and the classic Rincon iron note play off fleshy richness.
"The deep ruby/purple-hued 2002 Pinot Noir Rincon Vineyard boasts a superb bouquet of blackberry and cherry fruit intermixed with forest floor and earth characteristics. Abundant quantities of opulent flavors are found in this exceptionally elegant, finesse-styled effort. It coats the palate, but it is neither heavy nor alcoholic. This beauty possesses measured richness, nobility, and intensity with a finish that lasts 50 seconds." Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate - 94 Points

Pinot Noir Rosemary
Located seven miles east of the Pacific Ocean, Rosemary?s Vineyard is the most westerly of the four vineyards owned and farmed by Talley Vineyards. Climatically, it is the coolest because it is closest in proximity to the ocean. The oldest vines are fifteen years old, and are vertically trellised to promote maximum leaf surface and sun exposure on the fruit. The shallow calcareous soil is extremely rocky at the surface, underlain by sandstone. This soil type promotes excellent drainage.
2002 ?????? sold out ??
After partial destemming, the fermenters were filled without pumping and the must underwent a pre-fermentation cold soak for four days. Spontaneous wild yeast fermentation began. Aged 17 months in 50% new Fran?ois Fr?res barrels. The 2002 Rosemary's pushes the limits of ripeness and flamboyant fruitiness. Raspberry and wild cherry aromas mingle with hard spices, clove and a suggestion of fig. On the palate, the wine balances density and full body with velvety texture, plush tannins and an expansive finish.
"The 2002 Pinot Noir Rosemary's Vineyard reveals a deeply pigmented ruby/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of violets interwoven with raspberry, plum, and sweet cherry scents. Medium to full-bodied, strikingly elegant, pure, and layered, with classic Pinot Noir richness without heaviness, and multidimensional, youthful, stunningly proportioned 2002 should drink well for a decade." Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate - 94 Points